Your air conditioner’s coolant is essential for optimal performance and a necessary part of cooling the air that comes through your air conditioner system. When coolant levels are low, you might notice numerous issues, from limited cooling to poor cooling efficiency and potential wreckage to your AC system. By learning how to recognize the five key signs that indicate your AC might be low on coolant, you’ll be able to get your system diagnosed and fixed quickly when an issue arises.
For homeowners in Lubbock, TX, here are our top five signs that your AC is low on coolant.
1. Weak or Warm Airflow From Vents
Weak or warm airflow from vents is a common sign that your AC unit might be low on coolant. When coolant levels are low, the system struggles to cool the air and you’ll see weak airflow from vents or warm airflow from vents. This can make for an uncomfortable experience at home. Reduced airflow can also strain your system, forcing it to work harder and possibly trigger a complete breakdown. An experienced HVAC technician should address weak or warm airflow from AC vents as soon as possible.
2. Longer Cooling Cycles and High Energy Bills
Longer cooling cycles and high energy bills are frustrating, but they also signal an issue with the AC system. When coolant levels are low, the system struggles to eliminate heat from your home. It has to work overtime with longer cooling cycles to cool the air. As the AC unit works overtime, your energy bills also rise. If your AC unit needs more time to cool your air or your energy bills are exponentially higher than normal, it’s time to speak with a professional HVAC technician.
3. Ice Formation on the Refrigerant Lines
If you see ice formation on the refrigerant lines, there is a good chance that your coolant levels are too low. When the coolant is too low, the refrigerant lines can become too cold, and moisture in the air starts to freeze on the line. This ice can make it difficult for the refrigerant to move throughout the line. Ice formation is a serious problem, and if you notice ice on your refrigerant lines, you need to shut off your AC unit ASAP and call a professional.
4. Hissing or Bubbling Noises
Hissing or bubbling noises that come from your AC unit might be a sign of issues with your coolant. These sounds most often happen when air or moisture comes into your refrigerant lines because there isn’t enough coolant in the machine. The hissing noise can also sound like whooshing wind and typically means air is escaping. Bubbling noises usually mean moisture is trapped in your system, potentially causing condensation. If your AC unit has strange noises, an HVAC technician should inspect it to locate any leaks, recharge the coolant levels, and get rid of those annoying noises while also increasing the efficiency of your appliance.
5. Higher Than Normal Humidity Levels Indoors
Higher than normal humidity indoors can indicate low coolant levels in your AC unit. As your system struggles to get rid of the excess moisture in the air, humidity levels rise. You may notice an uncomfortable indoor muggy feeling due to the higher humidity levels. Excess humidity levels not only compromise your comfort and ability to enjoy your home but also promote mildew and mold growth. Mildew and mold growth are damaging to your health and your property. If your humidity levels are higher than normal, particularly during warm temperatures, we recommend that your unit be inspected by an HVAC technician. You likely have low coolant levels, which have led to this uncomfortable humidity.
Contact Action Air Plumbing and Septic
Identifying the signs of low coolant in your AC unit will help you maintain indoor comfort and avoid expensive repairs. If you do need to fix your HVAC, turn to our team for repairs today! If you pay attention to the airflow, ice formation, energy bills, humidity levels, and strange noises, you’ll be able to catch coolant issues early before they escalate into major problems. If you notice that your AC unit is exhibiting one of these five signs, reach out to us and schedule a consultation. Ask us about our preventative maintenance solutions! We also offer cooling, heating, plumbing, and septic system services for homeowners.
